PIERRE, S.D. -Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning South Dakota consumers about transient paving and roofing scams that continue to surface in the state. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has received numerous complaints about out-of-state transient crews wandering door-to-door promising low prices for roofing and paving jobs. Representatives of the crews typically approach home and business owners promising low estimates because of leftover materials from a completed project down the road or needing to keep the crews busy between jobs. Consumers and business owners are reporting poor quality jobs that will not last and outrageous charges upon completion of the job, often double or triple what was initially quoted.
“Do not rush into making a decision about home repairs or improvements, no matter how good the deal seems at the time,” said Jackley. “It is important that you compare prices and check out references for work quality before falling victim to unscrupulous door-to-door tactics.”
The Consumer Protection Division suggests taking the following precautions when dealing with door-to-door roofers and pavers:
§ Do not be pressured into a quick agreement.
§ Request a written contract specifying in detail the work to be done and the agreed upon price.
§ Be cautious if cash-only terms are required.
§ Do not make full payment before the job is satisfactorily completed.
§ Ask for local references and call these references to make sure they were satisfied.
§ Get bids from other companies to compare prices.
§ Consumers typically have a three day right to cancel on door-to-door sales contracts.
§ Sellers must provide the consumer with a copy of the contract or receipt at the time of the sale. This receipt must show the date of the sale, the name and address of the merchant, and a statement to the buyer of his or her right to cancel the contact within three days. After proper cancellation, the seller has 10 days to refund your money.
§ Remember that a legitimate offer does not require you to have the work done immediately. Do not get pressured into a sale.
§ Ask to see their current South Dakota tax license. State law requires all persons selling products or services to have a current South Dakota sales or contractors’ excise tax license. But remember that even though they may have this license it does not mean that you will be able to locate them once the work is done.
Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us with questions or concerns about transient contractors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Tuesday, October 04, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Rabern, (605) 773-3215
